Tableau Desktop Speed & Performance Optimization

Optimize Tableau Desktop speed & performance, and learn how to build fast, scalable, and user-friendly dashboards
If you’re looking to improve the speed and performance of your Tableau Desktop dashboards, this is the course for you.


In this course, you’ll be playing the role of a Business Intelligence Analyst at Bike Maven, a bicycle sharing company based in New York City. You’ve inherited a Tableau dashboard containing 3 years of accident data, but it’s so slow that it’s practically unusable. Your mission? Use the optimization tools and techniques covered in this course to make the dashboard fast, scalable, and user-friendly.


We’ll start by reviewing Tableau’s performance evaluation tools, then dive into four key optimization areas, including data design, filters, calculations, and layouts & visuals:


Course Project & Setup

Introduce the course project, set expectations, and install Tableau Desktop

Performance Evaluation

Review performance expectations, internal vs. external factors, and performance recording tools

Data Design

Optimize data models, define aggregations, and leverage Tableau extracts

Filter Optimization

Apply workbook & sheet-level filters, choose efficient filter types, and utilize filter alternatives

Calculation Optimization

Choose best-fit functions, use efficient syntax, and limit complex blends

Layout & Visuals

Create performant visuals, limit mark counts, and optimize dashboard sizing

Tableau Server & Online

Review performance factors outside of local Tableau Desktop dashboards


During the course you’ll learn how to record and interpret query performance, understand exactly how Tableau processing and rendering actually works, and review common event types and their impact on speed and usability. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of various data modeling techniques and connection types, share best practices for filter optimization, introduce pro tips to help you write efficient calculations, and review key data visualization and dashboard design principles.